Chapter 241 – Calling Names
“…Reason to oppose?”
Jin remembered how Hayman had looked at him earlier. Now it was his turn to provide a proper reason.
As if telling him to try and persuade, he faced the duke more leisurely. The smile suggesting that if he couldn’t, he should admit his own foolishness was a bonus. With the slight urging nod, Ian’s image strongly overlapped.
“The reason depends on what Your Highness comes up with.”
“You throw out the topic, and I’m to provide the reason?”
The larger the Ministry of Magic’s power grew, the more it primarily benefited Jin. With no blood relatives to rely on, including his father and mother, Ian had firmly stepped up as his protector. As long as he was the Minister of the Ministry of Magic, the department’s strength would directly correlate to Jin’s position.
It might be a different story if it ever threatened the throne, but the Ian that Jin knew was too intelligent to allow such a problem to arise.
“I’m not truly suggesting you oppose it. Aren’t you curious about what fish live in the water? It’s a kind of advice to use it like a stirring stick. Your Highness is still young and might not understand, but there’s nothing as murky as people’s hearts.”
Jin erased his smile and glared at Hayman. A very familiar feeling crept up. Wasn’t it remarkably similar to the venomous words Arsen had used to torment his soul for ten years?
“I agree. It’s not just murky, it’s rotten.”
He wouldn’t be fooled anymore. He had heard it until his ears were numb and engraved it in his heart until it swelled. Those were nonsense pretending to be for his benefit, trying to control his potential and suppress his will.
‘Your Highness is the center of the world, your belief is the truth.’
Jin turned his body, following Ian’s voice ringing in his ears. Then he sat in the chair with a resolute expression, waiting for the meeting to resume.
With such an obvious demeanor refusing any kind of approach, Hayman made a subtle expression and was once again surrounded by his faction.
“…Xiao.”
Xiaoshi, who had been waiting behind while concealing his presence, took a step closer. Jin quietly ordered, covering his mouth with the report:
“Go to the Ministry of Magic and have them bring the accusation letter that Romandro wrote and filed. Can you do it?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Good. Let’s hurry. If there’s any problem, ask Viviana for help.”
Jin fiddled with the thick edge of the report as he watched Xiaoshi leave. If Ian were here in this place now, what would he have achieved? The more he pondered, the clearer one answer became.
Creeeeak!
An hour later. The Prime Minister entered the hall again, looking no different from before. To Jin’s questioning gaze asking what had happened, he just nodded as if to say wait a moment.
“Excuse me. Let’s continue the meeting. I ask everyone to be seated. And the Ministry of Magic has sent word that they will prioritize using a silencing spell, but…”
The Prime Minister trailed off, awkwardly stroking his beard. His pale eyes very briefly scanned over Duke Hayman.
‘Bringing in Ruswena. Really, do they have any awareness of being Bariel nobles, or not? Even if they’ve formed a marriage alliance with them…’
He couldn’t gauge how much information Hayman had leaked to Ruswena. The variable, in particular, was Dilaina. Had she perhaps informed Hayman about the Emperor’s suspension as well?
No. No matter what, Dilaina wouldn’t have shared that. The Emperor’s incapacitation could act as a threatening move against her and Arsen. The Prime Minister naturally pressed his temples as he continued:
“There are no mages specializing in silencing spells, and above all, it consumes quite a lot of magic power, so they say five people at most can be done today.”
It meant only five people could leave the palace tonight. The nobles unconsciously tried to exchange glances but hesitated. This was because Hayman’s faction signaled them not to step forward. Hayman raised one hand elegantly and spoke:
“Prime Minister. As you know, the Hayman family runs various businesses, including banks. If I can’t leave today, I’m certain the damage won’t be limited to just my family.”
He was the one leading the empire’s flow of wealth. It was a plausible excuse, but one no one agreed with.
The Prime Minister hesitated for a moment, holding the gavel. Considering the Ruswena matter and charges of rebellion and collusion with Arsen, it would be better to keep him in the palace.
But…
‘Would it be alright to do so?’
Hayman was the central axis of the central nobles, and if they tried to shake him, it was impossible to predict how others would react. Although there were restrictions on the number of private soldiers nobles could have, what if they all united? Moreover, wasn’t Hayman the owner of the Black Armor?
Could the imperial palace handle it? The Emperor was gone, and so were Mariv and Gale. The military forces had been dispersed due to the two princes’ rebellion. The Ministry of Magic and Imperial Guard were short-staffed due to the Arsen incident.
The Prime Minister personally felt that the imperial palace was in the worst situation now. The justification was clear and certain, yet he had no choice but to deliberate like this.
“I oppose.”
It was when the Prime Minister was deep in thought. In contrast to his previous ailing appearance, Jin’s resolute voice cut through.
“Duke Hayman. You are accused of participating in the rebellion by colluding with my brother Gale. Then you immediately tried to place Arsen, who turned out to be a demon, in the successor’s position. Whether intentional or not, your actions have continuously threatened Bariel. It would be best for you to remain in the palace for further investigation.”
“Your Highness. I have already provided an explanation regarding that matter.”
“Do you think an explanation can substitute for a judgment? A few days ago, the Ministry of Magic received an accusation letter against Duke Hayman. However, the grand meeting to decide on referring it to trial failed because most didn’t attend.”
It was natural since a majority was needed, but the number of people gathered didn’t even reach a majority.
Jin smiled brightly and looked around at the officials. They just lowered their gazes slightly, hoping not to get caught in the crossfire.
“I suspect it might have been Arsen’s machination. Otherwise, how could so many people be absent at once? Don’t you think?”
“Th-That, Your Highness…”
“We’ve all gathered now under the pretext of a grand meeting. There’s no scribe, but everyone necessary for a resolution is here, so what’s the problem? Let’s discuss together about referring Hayman to trial.”
At that moment, Xiaoshi handed over the original accusation letter from behind. Jin threw it into the center of the round table, indicating that anyone who wanted to verify could do so. A large seal indicating it was an official accusation letter was stamped on the cover.
“While it’s right to keep silent about matters related to Arsen, this is separate. When Lord Ian wakes up, I will personally report the results to him.”
If anyone opposes here, I will remember their names. The empire’s only heir, myself, and Ian, who is at the center of the political situation, will remember and not let it slide. The child was smiling brightly while giving such a warning.
“Officials, remember all of this content.”
“Your Highness, that is…”
“Oh my. Is it hazy due to brainwashing? Shall I read it out loud for you?”
“No, it’s not like that.”
Those with voting rights looked at Hayman. When confronted so openly, there was no pretext to counter.
Jin signaled the Prime Minister to proceed. The Prime Minister let out an inward sigh of relief as he gripped the gavel. No matter his role as the Emperor’s proxy, he was just the Prime Minister. If Prince Jin stepped forward like this, it would be much easier.
“Well then, although sudden, this is related to Duke Hayman’s departure from the palace, so we’ll address this first. The accusation letter number is 52398.”
Rustle.
Quintana confirmed that the accusation letter was the genuine original and reported no issues. The nobles’ whispers grew louder.
“What happens after the trial date is set?”
“His Highness Gale is gone, isn’t he?”
“The absence of one witness isn’t a problem. I heard from a friend in the judiciary that there are many charges besides rebellion. It seems it won’t be easy to overlook, even for Duke Hayman.”
“What happens to us if the Hayman family disappears?”
“Overall, we’ll be demoted, but some among us will take Hayman’s place. Is there a family Lord Ian is trying to push? I haven’t heard any rumors.”
“I heard the Sereau family proposed marriage.”
“Oh my. Goodness.”
Hayman firmly set his lips and gripped the railing. He too, as a noble without an official position, had no voting rights. He glared with a fierce gaze at the officials who had eaten his money. It was a warning that if they betrayed him here, he would show them true hell.
“…The accusation content, corresponding claims, and evidence have already passed the qualifying line by Officer Ericse. Let’s proceed directly to voting. Those who agree to refer accusation letter number 52398 to trial, show your intention.”
Bang bang!
Jin raised his hand first. Then Quintana followed. The sound of clothes rustling as hands were raised flowed quietly. Then a few others joined in. But it was still far from a majority. Jin slowly and emphatically called out the names of those who had raised their hands.
“Those who have raised their hands now are Quintana from the Administration, Mattingly, Cyril Paulson, Harvey Bodkin from the Judiciary, and Ashbuster and Wyvern from Foreign Affairs. Is that correct?”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“I was worried I might not have memorized your names since I haven’t been participating in meetings for long. But it seems that was an unnecessary concern.”
Calling names held a truly strong power. It informed that he remembered those who had voted and was aware of those who hadn’t. Hands reluctantly rising here and there.
“Oh. Wellinger Mabe.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Right. You were from Foreign Affairs too.”
Swish.
It’s difficult to push a large stone, but once it starts rolling, it’s the principle that it runs on inertia. As it got closer to a majority, the possibility of passing the resolution grew closer, and those opposing flicked their fingertips. If they held out until the end and a trial was set, wouldn’t they really be bound with Hayman and headed for hell?
‘Even now?’
‘Ah, if that one agrees too…’
‘Three more, just three…’
“I, I agree too.”
“Right. Bayes. This is the first time we’re facing each other like this. Is that a majority?”
As the Prime Minister nodded, estimating the numbers, the remaining ones simultaneously agreed, cutting off their tails. Every single person with voting rights, without exception, agreed. The Prime Minister clicked his tongue in dismay at the sight.
“With a majority in favor, accusation letter number 52398 is recognized as qualified. The Judiciary, prepare for the trial.”
Bang! Bang bang!
As the Prime Minister brought down the gavel, the nobles outside the railing fell into chaos. Even those unrelated to Hayman reacted strongly, and those who were related reacted even more intensely.
“Look here, weren’t we in the middle of an emergency grand meeting about the Arsen incident! How can this be happening?”
“That’s right! This is invalid!”
“Damn it, no, hey! You! Bayes! You shouldn’t have done that!”
“Restrain yourselves, restrain! Where do you think you are to raise your voice!”
“This is nonsense. Isn’t this completely railroading?”
Everyone was furious, but they couldn’t cross the railing. This was because the palace guards had their spears at the ready. If it were their estates, if they could move their private soldiers at will, they would have overturned everything long ago with such force.
The Prime Minister kept banging his gavel and shouted:
“How dare you! With the prince present, how can you use such insulting words? Do you want to be summarily punished?”
Bang! Boom!
But they were people who might soon lose their heads. Such warnings had no effect. As the atmosphere grew more heated, Quintana gestured to Xiaoshi to protect Jin.
“Your Highness. I will contact you again after we sort this out. Please go to the Ministry of Magic for a while.”
There were many details to decide, starting with selecting who would leave the palace, but given the situation, it was impossible to proceed. Jin agreed and got into the carriage, soon returning to the Ministry of Magic.
Clop clop!
“Your Highness?”
“Your Highness, you’ll get hurt if you run.”
Jin started running as soon as he got out of the carriage. The child looked excited. Without sparing a glance at his surroundings, he ran solely for one destination. Ian’s office. Creeeeak!
Slam!
Ian was lying in the same neat posture as when he had left, and Jin approached and buried his head next to the bed.
He wished Ian would wake up soon. So he could tell him what happened in the meeting hall. He would be praised, Ian would smile and say he did really well.
The child whispered softly, consoling his regretful feelings.
“Lord Ian. You know. I think I did pretty well in the meeting hall today.”
“……”
“It might not be so, but at least I think so. So, hurry and wake up to teach me. Whether I did well or not.”
“…What did you do?”
“Eh!?”
Ian responded quietly. His eyes were still closed, but judging by the slight change in his lips, it was clear he had spoken.
“Lord Ian! How are you awake?”
“…Beric, that guy kept being noisy…”
“Ah, come to think of it, Beric isn’t here!”
“……”
He seemed to have regained consciousness, but still couldn’t overcome his fatigue. He was barely responding, just mumbling. Jin watched Ian’s appearance quietly for a while and then asked softly.
“…But Lord Ian.”
“……”
Why did Hayman’s words suddenly come to mind? He wanted to ask. What would he do if Jin opposed the construction of the Ministry of Magic’s annex?
But Jin soon shook his head and smiled.
“Never mind. Have a good dream.”
A little later, when he would be fine with any answer he might receive. The child decided to ask then, putting the thought aside for now.
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