Chapter 258
Jin Verosion.

The moment the child spoke that name aloud, a sudden realization struck him.

For the first time in his life, he had declared himself a bloodline of the royal family. The boy who had lived in the shadow of his brothers had finally survived, standing here bathed in the radiant gazes of the empire’s people.

And above all—

“So this is what Marib and Gale wanted.”

As a child, he hadn’t understood them. How could two brothers, who seemingly had everything, fight so fiercely, envy each other so bitterly, and clash swords over it all? Was it truly worth killing their father and brothers just to claim a crown?

To Jin, the emperor had always been just a destination to survive, a position defined by Ian.

But now, he truly understood.

He could finally grasp the hearts of his two elder brothers.

“This is what they sought to see.”

Bariel’s cheers echoed in his chest, and laughter tickled his heart. Nothing was as precious or as brilliant as the looks they sent him. Their lives would become his history, and their existence would once again prove his own.

“Ah, yes.”

His brothers had known this all along. That was why they fought so fiercely, willing to sacrifice blood and breath to obtain it. Even if they ultimately failed, it was worth accepting death with humility.

Even standing here as a mere witness made his whole body feel like it might shatter. He couldn’t even imagine what it would be like to sit on the throne of the emperor.

Jin lightly gripped his magic staff and cleared his throat.

“Within a short span of time, the imperial palace was sealed off twice. This unprecedented event shook the empire, sowed fear among its people, and brought shame upon the royal family.”

The crowd embraced one another, looking up at Jin. The young prince’s voice whispered like a spell in their ears—delicate, yet brimming with strength. The noble bearing of the royal house shone through every word.

“The incident centered around my brothers, Marib and Gale, but there were others who fanned the flames with even greater fervor.”

Jin carefully and deliberately recounted the events of that day. Though Ian had already reported it once and the press had covered it, hearing the truth directly from the royal family carried a different weight.

To the empire, Bariel was the royal family; to the royal family, Bariel was the empire. Their mutual recognition and trust would forge an incredible strength.

“Those blinded by false glory, trampling their own honor—these seven noble houses stand accused. It cannot be denied. The scars on my face are the truth of that day.”

Haiman looked up at Jin without changing expression. Facing death, the boy seemed to suddenly contemplate the meaning of life.

Back during the rebellion, he had been a forgotten child, abandoned by his mother in place of Arsen. Now, he stood alone, having outlasted all rivals. Fate had turned a clear loser into the sole victor.

“I bear witness clearly. The Black Armored Guards of Duke Haiman shattered my mother’s palace, killed those fleeing, and confronted Prince Marib to seize the imperial seal.”

He swiftly refuted the false claim that ignorance excused their intent.

“And in that process, my mother and brothers were killed.”

Though he grouped them as “brothers,” the statement was factually unassailable, aimed at bolstering Arsen’s defense against charges of rebellion.

“All charges brought by the Magic Department and the royal family, I swear on my name, are true. Therefore, I ask that the judge deliver just punishment to the criminals for the sake of the royal family’s stability and the nation’s peace.”

The judge responded by placing a hand over his chest and bowing lightly.

“For Bariel.”

“For Bariel.”

The elderly judge and the young prince swore together to a single cause.

The crowd murmured and edged closer to the palace walls. Soldiers blocked their way with spears, but how could they hold back such fervor? They reached out, calling to Jin.

“Your Highness, did Lady Dilaina and Prince Arsen pass away?”

“Didn’t you know? It was in the papers.”

“Prince Jin! Please show us your face and your scars again!”

“You are the only hope left for Bariel. Please, come closer!”

“Your Highness! Your Highness! Prince Jin!”

“Judge, for Bariel’s sake, please exterminate all the nobles who disturbed the peace.”

“Exterminate them! Exterminate them!”

“Wasn’t it their greed that ended the precious breath of the royal family? When princes start a rebellion, isn’t it their duty to stop it and guide them back to the right path?”

“The Emperor is watching!”

“Conduct the trial properly!”

“Step back! Anyone who comes closer will be removed!”

“Back! Back, I say!”

In an instant, chaos erupted. They had only spoken a few words, but the sheer number of voices made it feel like hundreds of shouts at once.

The nobles faltered, clearly unsettled by the uproar. How dare these lowly people raise their voices here? Even the nobles themselves held their breath.

“Shouldn’t they all be punished for sacrilege?”

“Tsk, tsk. Uneducated rabble…”

“I knew this would happen. Opening the gates to increase tax revenue was a mistake. I doubt they even understand the meaning of ‘reverence.’”

“What if they climb through the windows? The palace guards should prepare in advance.”

Everyone glanced at Ian, hoping he would take some action. But he paid no mind, waiting for Jin to finish.

“That concludes my statement.”

“Yes, well said.”

Applause broke out.

Ian raised his hand again, this time prompting others to join in. Amid the hearty cheers, Jin stepped down from the platform, supported by Ian.

Their eyes met briefly. The boy wanted to approach the window, and Ian understood. But since this was a trial deciding the fate of their house, Ian gently shook his head to dissuade him.

“Now, then…”

Bang! Bang, bang!

The judge struck his staff down harder. The crowd covered their ears and fell silent.

“Please maintain order. The trial will continue. Citizens of the empire, follow the instructions of the royal guards and keep the peace.”

Jin returned to his seat, sitting upright and facing forward. He could feel the burning gazes of the people beside him.

Unable to hold back any longer, he glanced at them. Their eyes sparkled as they watched him. The trial had long since faded into the background.

“Next is the Avalia family.”

The trial went on. As with the Haiman family, the procedure was followed to honor those about to be erased. The difference was—

“Yes. We admit all charges.”

“Understood. We apply the charge of conspiracy.”

Bang!

“We do not deny it.”

“Conspiracy charges apply.”

Bang!

“…We have nothing to say.”

“We accept the verdict.”

Most had lost the will to fight. Unlike Haiman, who denied everything and argued point by point, few defended themselves to the end. Some might see that as dignified, others as weak. Perhaps even rational.

Jin watched the smooth progress of the trial and glanced at Haiman. Though only his back was visible, his posture remained stiff and proud. His expression was likely the same.

“Any further defense?”

“……”

“Then please wait a moment.”

The judges rose to discuss the verdict.

Unlike Marib, who was royal, these were nobles. The judges could issue sentences without needing majority approval.

“We will recess for ten minutes.”

Though it was a death sentence, they needed to discuss the method, order, and handling of the bodies.

As the judges left, the tense atmosphere relaxed. Joy blossomed on the faces of the empire’s people who met Jin’s gaze. When would they see such a precious member of the royal family again? Though bowing deeply would be proper, the people still reached out to Jin, gathering courage.

“Your Highness, please accept this…”

“Step back.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

A single flower was passed through the soldiers.

Jin looked at Xiaosi in surprise. Xiaosi approached the window on the prince’s behalf and called a soldier. The soldier took the flower, handed it to Xiaosi, who then gave it to Jin.

Jin carefully cradled a yellow wildflower and murmured,

“…Thank you.”

“We are grateful you are safe, Your Highness.”

It was the first gift he had ever received from the people. Jin smiled warmly, rubbing the petals against his nose. Romandro watched fondly, resting his chin on his hands. Ian also smiled faintly, though only for a moment.

“Xia.”

Ian quietly called Xiaosi aside, whispering so even Romandro nearby couldn’t hear—a secret reprimand.

“Should you accept gifts from strangers and hand them to His Highness so carelessly? Be especially careful.”

“…I’m sorry.”

“That’s enough. It’s also my fault for not warning you sooner.”

“What shall we do with the flower?”

“For now, keep it. His Highness seems to like it very much.”

How could anyone stop that bright, beaming smile? Xiaosi nodded and sat beside Jin, who kept showing him the flower and whispering something. Surely he was bragging.

Romandro’s cheeks puffed up in a smile. Like watching something adorable, his hands clasped under his chin in delight.

“Come to think of it, Your Highness, you’ve never left the palace before, have you? The heir appointment ceremony will have to be grand and flawless.”

A golden road stretched in a straight line from the city gates to the palace. It was reserved exclusively for the royal family, typically used when members of the royal house went off to war, returned, or during official ceremonies like coronations.

By becoming the heir, Jin would be stepping outside the palace for the first time—to meet Bariel.

“Yes. It must be done that way. I expect many guests will come from abroad as well.”

“Indeed?”

“Of course. After all, you are the only prince.”

Being the sole prince carried multiple implications. On the positive side, it meant he was the next emperor. On the negative, it revealed how vulnerable the Bariel royal family had become due to internal strife and rebellion.

From the perspective of foreign powers, this was a chance to enter the palace directly, assess the political climate, and make an impression on Jin. While a visit from the king himself was unlikely, it was highly probable that heirs from other nations would come.

Creak.

At that moment, the judges reentered, holding the black velvet verdict scroll. Everyone fell silent instantly, waiting for the judgment.

“Thank you for your patience. We acknowledge that the seven central houses have devoted themselves to Bariel in the past. However, the crimes related to the rebellion are grave and cannot be excused by any justification. Therefore, the royal tribunal hereby delivers the following sentence.”

Rustle.

The chief judge pointed to the heads of each house one by one.

“All tangible and intangible assets of the seven houses, including Haiman’s, are hereby confiscated and transferred to the crown. Furthermore, all those bearing the family name shall be executed by hanging, and their bodies displayed in public for one week as a warning against treason.”

Bang! Bang bang!

Haiman, who had remained expressionless until then, finally grimaced and closed his eyes. Outside, angry cheers erupted, while the nobles let out conflicted groans. The officials all stood and approached Ian and Jin, offering handshakes.

“You’ve done well, Your Highness.”

“It’s all over now. Congratulations, Your Highness.”

“Sir Ian, well done. Truly well done!”

“No, it’s thanks to everyone’s support.”

“Oh, Romandro! You there! Go get some rest now!”

Ian wrapped an arm around Jin’s shoulder, responding warmly to the congratulations echoing around them. Meanwhile, Haiman and the nobles were dragged away by the palace guards, and the chief judge declared the trial closed.

“That concludes the trial.”

Bang! Bang!

It was an undeniable, perfect victory for the royal family.

At least, for now.