Chapter 213

Perhaps it was because Jin’s voice rang out unusually clear and bright, but a deep silence settled over the courtroom. It was so quiet that even someone coughing on the second floor stood out sharply.

Everyone in the chairman’s box turned to look at Jin. Among them was Marib’s gaze, which held a strange, unreadable expression.

“L-Lord Ian.”

Was this right? Jin had voted for Ian, believing he was trustworthy, yet no words followed. Jin rolled his eyes and looked at Ian, but he was only faintly smiling.

“It’s fine. You did well. At this point, we’re the only ones who can step forward.”

Ian whispered softly, exchanging glances with Marib. He lifted his chin arrogantly and let out a bitter, incredulous laugh.

‘The regime is changing. By showing the strongest will to punish the prince, he can gain the upper hand in the next power struggle. And above all, Jin was under Delaina’s protection until recently, wasn’t he?’

The young prince had no political scandals yet, but any attack on Jin would be tantamount to an attack on Delaina. No one would dare touch that.

“Ian Hielo, as Minister of Magic, I also stand with His Highness Jin’s will.”

It was a situation where defense and offense could be taken simultaneously. Ian smiled at Marib, signaling his support for Jin’s resolve. “If you have any revelations, go ahead and reveal them. It won’t harm Jin—it will fall back on Delaina. It’s a chance to strike without lifting a finger.”

‘Besides, the Ministry of Magic has also recently changed hands. If Wesley were still in office, it might be different.’

Ian had plenty of loopholes to escape blame related to the Ministry. He was a newly appointed minister, and any past mistakes could be pinned on the deceased Wesley.

Marib seemed to catch on to Ian’s scheme and kept wearing a helpless smile.

“Oh dear.”

Arsen felt the same. Watching from the opposite side, he bit his lip and muttered. He had only thought to step back from Marib’s self-destruction, but had overlooked Jin’s position.

“Arsen, what’s wrong?”

“It’s fine, Mother. Please stay calm.”

Any past revelations about Jin would ultimately become weaknesses for Delaina. Ian’s provocation of Marib to draw that out was advantageous. More than that, by leading the prince who instigated the rebellion to his downfall, Ian would gain political standing.

There was another problem: Arsen couldn’t respond or do anything.

“I’m Quintana from the Executive Branch. I also believe the punishment for Prince Marib is justified.”

Swish.

Quintana, seated on the executive side, spoke up. Ian looked around boldly, watching those who hesitated.

“Unintentionally, Marib has set the stage. Romandro, remember the order of those who speak from now on.”

At Ian’s whisper, Romandro quickly pulled out his notebook. Anyone who hesitated here would be reasonably suspected of lacking basic qualifications.

Otherwise, they were Marib’s loyalists to the core and would be the first to be purged.

“…Jin.”

Marib crossed his arms and called out to Jin. His demeanor was hardly that of a criminal on trial, yet no one dared to reprimand him. He was a prince, soon to be dead. Jin clenched his fists tightly and stood his ground.

“Speak, brother.”

It was terrifying not knowing what he would say. Would he insult their mother again? Or fabricate forgotten old stories? But Marib surprised everyone with his words.

“You have a remarkably good voice.”

“Huh?”

“I think this is the first time I’ve really heard it.”

It seemed like a trivial comment, but Ian knew this was Marib’s best effort. He hadn’t found any fault with Jin. Any exposé would be an attack on Delaina and Arsen, which would only help Jin.

“I agree as well!”

“Ahem. I’m Ashbuster from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!”

“Wellinger Mabe here. I agree.”

“Wyvern will add his name too.”

Even though Quintana had started the chorus, and Marib remained silent, one by one others voiced their agreement. Those who declared stood, placing their hands over their chests, pledging honor to Bariel.

Swish.

Like a rising tide, the support flowed naturally. If individuals stood out, Marib would target them, but united, they were untouchable. Now, those seated risked drawing the eyes of Ian and Delaina. If Marib faltered and stepped back, the real trouble would come from the next generation of power players.

Bang! Bang bang!

Even the nobles on the second floor, who had no authority, stood and agreed to punish Marib. This was political support sent to either Jin or Arsen. Marib looked around at those who had risen to see him executed, his expression unreadable.

“Marib Verosion, if you have a final defense, you may speak.”

After his defense, the verdict would be sealed with a spell. This would be his last official words before the gallows.

Marib’s lips trembled, then he straightened his face as if resigned. There was truly nothing left to do.

“I—”

Calmly, but with a hint of bitterness, Marib frowned briefly and muttered,

“I only loved Bariel. That’s why I had to become emperor. Because that was the right path for Bariel and for you all. This day will remain a lifelong stain on Bariel. Watch how your mistakes change the future.”

“…The verdict is as follows.”

When no more words came, the judge raised his gavel high. There was no need to count votes.

“First Prince Marib Verosion is stripped of the royal family name and sentenced to death by hanging in the name of the Great Empire Bariel.”

Taang!

Applause!

“Executioners, prepare the gallows.”

“Executioners, prepare the gallows!”

With the pronouncement, applause erupted. Everyone sat up straight, celebrating Marib’s death. Jin found the scene strangely unsettling and looked up at Ian.

“Ian.”

Putting aside individual character, this was the nature of politics. Yesterday’s enemy becomes today’s ally, and today’s friend becomes tomorrow’s foe.

The brightest light casts the darkest shadow. The palace was a place where someone’s death could be taken as a gain.

Of course, Ian was no different, but Jin wanted to share this one thing.

“…Your Highness, look. No matter how much he was Prince Marib, when powerful figures descend upon a loser, there’s no way out. From now on, you must steel yourself and fight fiercely. There are those who will pounce on every breath and glance. Especially since what you hold in your hands is the future of Bariel.”

Glory would be granted to the victor, death to the loser. The path Jin had stepped onto to survive would be far harsher than expected, and Ian knew this well.

“Yeah. I’ll be ready.”

Jin set his expression firmly and watched Marib’s retreating figure until the very end. He would never end up like that. Once the child’s face was scarred, it was as if he had died once already.

“I won’t die twice.”

“……”

Ian patted the boy’s shoulder. Just then, Romandro approached and announced the next schedule. With nobles and officials gathered, the execution was to proceed immediately.

“It looks like the execution will take place in about an hour. Your Highness Jin, how about being hosted at the Ministry of Magic? I think that would be best.”

“Your Highness, may I ask? What about the Executive Branch?”

“They left the courtroom as soon as the order was given.”

Since Marib was expelled from the royal family, it was natural that his history would be erased from official records. His biography would be downgraded to general archives, and every trace left by the prince would be swiftly erased.

“They’ll be the busiest over the next few days.”

“I know. That’s why I already got all the approvals in advance. And over there, Serro.”

At Romandro’s gesture, Ian looked up to the second floor. A familiar young man removed his hat and greeted them. He was the eldest son of the Serro family, used to check the Haiman clan. Ian nodded in return.

“After the execution, we’ll take care of His Highness at the Ministry of Magic.”

“Understood. Since everyone is moving, shall we go as well? Your Highness Jin, will you come? It’s fine if you don’t want to watch.”

“No. I’ll go.”

Jin said firmly. Seeing Arsen surrounded by ministers and smiling, it seemed he would attend the execution. If so, Jin had no choice but to go too.

True to the reputation of the first royal magic user, ministers and nobles lingered even after the trial ended, showering Arsen with all kinds of flattering words.

Of course, some approached Jin as well.

“Your Highness.”

“Quintana!”

“How have you been?”

“Of course. You are Ashbuster, Wellinger, and Wyvern, right? I believe we’ve met before.”

“Yes, Your Highness. During the rebellion, I was sheltering at the Ministry of Magic. We crossed paths then, and again at the tournament. Your courage earlier was truly remarkable.”

Quintana and others had formed ties after several crises. Though rumors about Arsen being a magic user had reduced their numbers, Jin felt it was fine.

“Anyway, Ian doesn’t believe in Arsen’s magic, and I, for my part, understand the value of those of us who remain.”

“Are you attending the execution?”

“Yes. Let’s move to the other location.”

“Please, go ahead. There’s much I want to discuss. Sir Ian?”

Strictly speaking, it wasn’t Jin he wanted to speak to, but Ian. Ian smiled politely at Quintana and her followers before excusing himself.

“Pardon me. I have some matters to finalize. Xiaosi, accompany His Highness Jin. I’ll join you shortly.”

“Very well. We await your arrival.”

Like a shadow, Xiaosi appeared silently and took his place beside Jin. After all, this was the execution of a royal—the first prince, no less. It wouldn’t be as simple as just hanging him by a rope; there were many details to manage, especially the dramatic effects that only the Magic Department could provide.

Tap, tap, tap!

“Where’s the execution officer? I told them to replace the rope, but it’s still the same.”

“Wizard, could you please summon the execution officer?”

“Make way! Passing through!”

“This is where the nobles will be seated. Please leave more space.”

“If blood or filth splatters, it could be a problem.”

“The Magic Department will handle that. Ah, Ian!”

The execution was set in the palace’s central first garden, an open-air opera theater. There were stands for the audience, a podium for reading the verdict, and a perfect spot for the main figure, Marib.

Ian helped with the final preparations before entering the waiting room where Marib was held.

Creak.

Marib was bound and gagged. Since suicide before the execution would dishonor the palace, this was a necessary precaution. After all, he was no longer a royal, so there was no need to show him any leniency.

“No issues. Keep a close watch.”

“Yes, understood.”

Ian’s visit was merely to check on the prisoner’s condition. As he turned to leave, Marib groaned and grabbed his arm.

“Marib, your right to speak has ended.”

He had the tongue of a serpent. There was no reason to remove the gag.

“Mmph!”

“Remember what I said earlier? That this day would be a lifelong stain on Bariel. Watch how one mistake can change the future.”

Ian bowed slightly to meet his gaze and smiled.

“You, more than anyone, should watch from the heavens what this day means for Bariel. It’s the first step toward reclaiming my path. I’m sorry, but—”

“……”

Marib fell silent, truly sensing that death was closing in. Ian leaned close and whispered softly in his ear.

“There are many who love Bariel just as much as you do.”